Antibiotic Prophylaxis Before Dental Procedures in Patients with Orthopedic Implants

Several years ago, I presented a brief historical review of recommendations on antibiotic prophylaxis before dental procedures in patients with prosthetic joint implants (NEJM JW Gen Med May 15 2013). In 2009, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) essentially had endorsed routine prophylaxis for all patients with prosthetic joints, with no time limit after the date of the orthopedic procedure. However, in a 2013 guideline issued jointly by the AAOS and the American Dental Association (ADA), clinicians were advised to “consider discontinuing the practice of routinely prescribing prophylactic antibiotics for patients with hip and knee prosthetic joint implants undergoing dental procedures.” The guideline indicated that no eviden…